Button for a  attaching an abrasive article to a back-up pad

ABSTRACT

A button for attaching an abrasive article to a back-up pad can include a body having a lower plate, and a hub extending from the lower plate. The hub is configured to engage an abrasive article installed over the hub at least partially along the height of the hub to prevent the abrasive article from rotating relative to the hub. The body can also include a post extending from the hub. The post can include at least one helical thread extending outwardly along the post. Further, the post can include a height, HP, and the at least one helical thread includes a thread lead, L, that is ≧0.5 H P .

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed to an abrasive article and to abutton for attaching an abrasive article to a back-up pad.

BACKGROUND

Abrasive articles can be quite useful for smoothing surfaces, polishingsurfaces, removing material from surfaces, for cleaning surfaces, etc.Certain types of abrasive articles are configured in the shape of awheel. During use, these abrasive wheels are rotated to create a movingsurface on the abrasive wheel that can be placed in contact with anothersurface in order to alter a characteristic of that surface. In order torotate an abrasive wheel, the abrasive wheel is typically mechanicallycoupled to a shaft of a motor via a tool holder, e.g., a chuck, that canbe tightened to engage a portion of the abrasive wheel.

In response to changes in the abrasives industry, new ways to connectabrasive articles may be desirable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and are not limited in theaccompanying figures.

FIG. 1 includes a view of an abrasive article assembly in accordancewith a particular embodiment.

FIG. 2 includes a partially exploded view of an abrasive articleassembly in accordance with a particular embodiment.

FIG. 3 includes a fully exploded view of an abrasive article assembly inaccordance with a particular embodiment.

FIG. 4 includes a view of a button for attaching an abrasive article toa back-up pad in accordance with a particular embodiment.

FIG. 5 includes a plan view of a button for attaching an abrasivearticle to a back-up pad in accordance with another particularembodiment.

FIG. 6 includes a view of a button for attaching an abrasive article toa back-up pad in accordance with yet another particular embodiment.

FIG. 7 includes a plan view of a button for attaching an abrasivearticle to a back-up pad in accordance with yet another particularembodiment.

FIG. 8 includes a view of a lower plate for a button for attaching anabrasive article to a back-up pad in accordance with a particularembodiment.

FIG. 9 includes a view of an abrasive article in accordance with aparticular embodiment.

FIG. 10 includes a view of an abrasive article in accordance with aparticular embodiment.

Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustratedfor simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale.For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures canbe exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improveunderstanding of embodiments of the invention. The use of the samereference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identicalitems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description in combination with the figures is provided toassist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The followingdiscussion will focus on specific implementations and embodiments of theteachings. This focus is provided to assist in describing the teachingsand should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope orapplicability of the teachings. As used herein, the terms “comprises,”“comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” or any othervariation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. Forexample, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a listof features is not necessarily limited only to those features but caninclude other features not expressly listed or other features that areinherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unlessexpressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive-or and notto an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by anyone of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or notpresent), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), andboth A and B are true (or present).

The use of “a” or “an” is employed to describe elements and componentsdescribed herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give ageneral sense of the scope of the embodiments of the disclosure. Thisdescription should be read to include one or at least one and thesingular also includes the plural, or vice versa, unless it is clearthat it is meant otherwise. Unless otherwise defined, all technical andscientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonlyunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosurebelongs. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only andnot intended to be limiting.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, an abrasive article assembly isillustrated and is generally designated 100. As illustrated, theabrasive article assembly 100 can include a back-up pad 102 and anabrasive article 104 coupled to the back-up pad 102. The back-up pad 102can include a housing 110 that defines a proximal end 112 and a distalend 114. The housing 110 can include a threaded bore (not shown) thatextends into the housing 110 from the proximal end 112. The threadedbore can be sized and shaped to receive a threaded post of a button,described in detail below.

A shank 116 can extend from the distal end 114 of the housing 110. Theshank 116 can be received and clamped within a drill chuck (not shown)or some other rotating tool. Thus, as the drill chuck rotates, the shank116 will rotate, and can cause the entire abrasive article assembly 100to rotate. The rotating abrasive article assembly 100 can be movedacross a surface to be finished in order to abrade the surface, tosmooth the surface, to polish the surface, to clean the surface, etc.

FIG. 1 indicates that the abrasive article 104 can include an uppersurface 120, a lower surface 122, and an outer peripheral surface 124.In a particular aspect, the abrasive article 104 can be a non-wovenabrasive article 104.

In one non-limiting, exemplary embodiment the non-woven abrasive article104 can include a support, at least one polymeric binder, and abrasiveparticles. In one aspect, the support can include one or more nonwovenlayers. Each nonwoven layer can include a plurality of fibers. Thefibers can be bonded to each other by a polymeric binder, such as onederived from a latex. The fibers can include natural fibers, inorganicfibers, such as fiberglass, synthetic fibers, such as polyester fibers,polyamide fibers, or other suitable synthetic fibers, or any combinationthereof.

The abrasive particles can have a Mohs hardness of at least about 8.0,such as at least about 8.5, even at least about 9.0. In particular, theabrasive particles 108 can include superabrasive particles, such asdiamond, cubic boron nitride, boron carbide, silicon carbide, or anycombination thereof. The abrasive particles can have a size of betweenabout 10 microns and about 1000 microns, such as between about 50microns and about 500 microns, particularly between about 100 micronsand about 200 microns.

The one or more polymeric binders can include a curable polymericbinder. The curable polymeric binder can include a polyurethane resin, aphenoxy resin, polyester resin, or any combination thereof. Further, thecurable polymeric binder can include a blocked resin. Polymeric bindercan be a strong and flexible polymeric binder in order to hold thesupport together during abrading while allowing the support to beflexible enough to conform to the shape of the work piece. In aparticular embodiment, the polymeric binder can be located between thefibers and the abrasive particles.

In another aspect, the polymeric binder can include another polymericbinder, such as a phenolic resin, an epoxy resin, a formaldehyde-urearesin, or any combination thereof. The other polymeric binder caninclude a binder that bonds without significant curing and this bindercan be used bond the abrasive particles to the support and to permitadditionally processing of the abrasive article.

In an embodiment, the one or more polymeric binders can be formed frombinder formulations that can further include components such asdispersed filler, solvents, plasticizers, chain transfer agents,catalysts, stabilizers, dispersants, curing agents, reaction mediators,or agents for influencing the fluidity of the dispersion. In addition tothe above constituents, other components can also be added to the binderformulation, including, for example, anti-static agents, such asgraphite, carbon black, and the like; suspending agents, such as fumedsilica; anti-loading agents, such as metal stearate, including zinc,calcium, or magnesium stearate; lubricants such as wax; wetting agents;dyes; fillers; viscosity modifiers; defoamers; or any combinationthereof.

In one particular embodiment, the non-woven abrasive article 104 canhave an open structure. Specifically, the open structure can includevoids located between the fibers. The open structure can be at leastabout 25% open volume, such as at least about 40% open volume, such asat least about 55% open volume. Additionally, the open structure can benot greater than about 99% open volume, such as not greater than about95% open volume, even not greater than about 90% open volume.

In an embodiment, the non-woven abrasive article 104 can have a hardnessof 20 kgf/25% compression to 90 kgf/25% compression, such as 30 kgf/25%compression to 80 kgf/25% compression, even 40 kgf/25% compression to 70kgf/25% compression as measured by applying a force with a 25.4 mmsemi-spherical probe to compress the abrasive article by 25% along thethickness direction. In a particular embodiment, the hardness can be 50to 60 kgf/25% compression.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 indicate that the abrasive article 104 can be removedfrom the back-up pad 102. Further, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 indicate that theabrasive article 104 can include a central bore 126 extending throughthe abrasive article 104 along a central axis 128. The abrasive articleassembly 100 can include a button 130 that can be used to connect theabrasive article 104 to the back-up pad 102. Specifically, a threadedpost that extends from the button 130, and is described in detail below,can fit into and engage the threaded bore (not shown) formed in thehousing 110 of the back-up pad 102.

FIG. 4 illustrates details of the button 130. As depicted, an embodimentof the button 130 can include a lower plate 132. The lower plate 132 canbe generally flat and disk-shaped. The lower plate 132 can include anouter diameter, O_(LP). The abrasive article 104 can include an outerdiameter O_(AA). O_(LP) can be ≦50% O_(AA), such as ≦45% O_(AA), ≦40%O_(AA), ≦35% O_(AA), or ≦30% O_(AA). Further, O_(LP) can be ≧10% O_(AA),such as ≧15% O_(AA), ≧20% O_(AA), or ≧25% O_(AA). It will be appreciatedthat the O_(LP) can be within a range between and including any of thepercentages noted above relative to the O_(AA).

For example, O_(LP) can be ≦50% O_(AA) and ≧10% O_(AA), such as ≦50%O_(AA) and ≧15% O_(AA), ≦50% O_(AA) and ≧20% O_(AA), or ≦50% O_(AA) and≧25% O_(AA). In another aspect, O_(LP) can be ≦45% O_(AA) and ≧10%O_(AA), such as ≦45% O_(AA) and ≧15% O_(AA), ≦45% O_(AA) and ≧20%O_(AA), or ≦45% O_(AA) and ≧25% O_(AA). O_(LP) can be ≦40% O_(AA) and≧10% O_(AA), such as ≦40% O_(AA) and ≧15% O_(AA), ≦40% O_(AA) and ≧20%O_(AA), or ≦40% O_(AA) and ≧25% O_(AA). O_(LP) can be ≦35% O_(AA) and≧10% O_(AA), such as ≦35% O_(AA) and ≧15% O_(AA), ≦35% O_(AA) and ≧20%O_(AA), or ≦35% O_(AA) and ≧25% O_(AA). O_(LP)can be ≦30% O_(AA) and≧10% O_(AA), such as ≦30% O_(AA) and ≧15% O_(AA), ≦30% O_(AA) and ≧20%O_(AA), or ≦30% O_(AA) and ≧25% O_(AA).

A hub 134 can extend from the lower plate 132. The hub 134 can include aproximal end 136 and a distal end 138. In one aspect, the hub 134 isconfigured to fit into and engage the abrasive article 104 when theabrasive article 104 is installed over the hub 134 such that the hub 134fits into the similarly sized and shaped central bore 126 of theabrasive article 104. The hub 134 is configured to engage the abrasivearticle 104, e.g., the inner wall of the central bore 126, at leastpartially along a height of the hub 124 in order to engage the abrasivearticle 104 and to prevent the abrasive article 104 from rotatingrelative to the hub 134.

When the hub 134 is disengaged from the back-up pad 102 and removed fromthe abrasive article 104, the hub 134 can include a height, H_(H), andthe bore 126 within the abrasive article 104 can include a height,H_(B). In a particular aspect, H_(H)≦0.99 H_(B). Moreover, H_(H)≦0.98H_(B), such as ≦0.97 H_(B), ≦0.96 H_(B), ≦0.95 H_(B), ≦0.94 H_(B), ≦0.93H_(B), ≦0.92 H_(B), ≦0.91 H_(B), or ≦0.90 H_(B). In another aspect,H_(H)≧0.80 H_(B), such as ≧0.81 H_(B), ≧0.82 H_(B), ≧0.83 H_(B), ≧0.84H_(B), or ≧0.85 H_(B). H_(H) can be within a range between and includingany of the values of H_(H) described herein.

For example, H_(H) can be ≦0.99 H_(B)and ≧0.80 H_(B), such as ≦0.99H_(B)and ≧0.81 H_(B), ≦0.99 H_(B) and ≧0.82 H_(B), ≦0.99 H_(B) and ≧0.83H_(B), ≦0.99 H_(B) and ≧0.84 H_(B), or ≦0.99 H_(B) and ≧0.85 H_(B).H_(H) can be ≦0.98 H_(B) and ≧0.80 H_(B), such as ≦0.98 H_(B) and ≧0.81H_(B), ≦0.98 H_(B) and ≧0.82 H_(B), ≦0.98 H_(B) and ≧0.83 H_(B), ≦0.98H_(B) and ≧0.84 H_(B), or ≦0.98 H_(B) and ≧0.85 H_(B).

In another aspect, H_(H) can be ≦0.97 H_(B) and ≧0.80 H_(B), such as≦0.97 H_(B) and ≧0.81 H_(B), ≦0.97 H_(B) and ≧0.82 H_(B), ≦0.97 H_(B)and ≧0.83 H_(B), ≦0.97 H_(B) and ≧0.84 H_(B), or ≦0.97 H_(B) and ≧0.85H_(B). H_(H) can be ≦0.96 H_(B) and ≧0.80 H_(B), such as ≦0.96 H_(B) and≧0.81 H_(B), ≦0.96 H_(B) and ≧0.82 H_(B), ≦0.96 H_(B) and ≧0.83 H_(B),≦0.96 H_(B) and ≧0.84 H_(B), or ≦0.96 H_(B) and ≧0.85 H_(B). H_(H) canbe ≦0.95 H_(B) and ≧0.80 H_(B), such as ≦0.95 H_(B) and ≧0.81 H_(B),≦0.95 H_(B) and ≧0.82 H_(B) , ≦0.95 H_(B) and ≧0.83 H_(B) , ≦0.95 H_(B)and ≧0.84 H_(B), or ≦0.95 H_(B) and ≧0.85 H_(B). H_(H) can be ≦0.94H_(B) and ≧0.80 H_(B), such as ≦0.94 H_(B) and ≧0.81 H_(B), ≦0.94 H_(B)and ≧0.82 H_(B), ≦0.94 H_(B) and ≧0.83 H_(B), ≦0.94 H_(B) and ≧0.84H_(B), or ≦0.94 H_(B) and ≧0.85 H_(B).

H_(H) can also be ≦0.93 H_(B) and ≧0.80 H_(B), such as ≦0.93 H_(B) and≧0.81 H_(B), ≦0.93 H_(B) and ≧0.82 H_(B), ≦0.93 H_(B) and ≧0.83 H_(B),≦0.93 H_(B) and ≧0.84 H_(B), or ≦0.93 H_(B) and ≧0.85 H_(B). H_(H) canbe ≦0.92 H_(B) and ≧0.80 H_(B), such as ≦0.92 H_(B) and ≧0.81 H_(B),≦0.92 H_(B) and ≧0.82 H_(B), ≦0.92 H_(B) and ≧0.83 H_(B), ≦0.92 H_(B)and ≧0.84 H_(B), or ≦0.92 H_(B) and ≧0.85 H_(B). H_(H) can be ≦0.91H_(B) and ≧0.80 H_(B), such as ≦0.91 H_(B) and ≧0.81 H_(B), ≦0.91 H_(B)and ≧0.82 H_(B), ≦0.91 H_(B) and ≧0.83 H_(B), ≦0.91 H_(B) and ≧0.84H_(B), or ≦0.91 H_(B) and ≧0.85 H_(B). H_(H) can be ≦0.90 H_(B) and≧0.80 H_(B), such as ≦0.90 H_(B) and ≧0.81 H_(B), ≦0.90 H_(B) and ≧0.82H_(B), ≦0.90 H_(B) and ≧0.83 H_(B), ≦0.90 H_(B) and ≧0.84 H_(B), or≦0.90 H_(B) and ≧0.85 H_(B).

Since H_(H) can be less than H_(B) before the button 130 is installedthrough the abrasive article 104 and engaged with the back-up pad 102,when the button 130 is engaged with the back-up pad 102 and the abrasivearticle 104 is captured between the lower plate 132 and the proximal end112 of the back-up pad 102, the abrasive article 104 can be compressedbetween the lower plate 132 of the button 130 and the proximal end 112of the back-up pad 102 such that the height of the bore when engaged,H_(BE), is equal to H_(H).

In a particular aspect, the button 130 can be configured to apply acompressive force on the abrasive article, C_(F), wherein C_(F) can be≧5 lbs, such as ≧6 lbs, ≧7 lbs, ≧8 lbs, ≧9 lbs, or ≧10 lbs. Further,C_(F) can be ≦50 lbs, such as ≦40 lbs, ≦30 lbs, ≦20 lbs, or ≦15 lbs.Moreover, C_(F) can be within a range between and including any of thevalues of C_(F) described herein.

For example, C_(F) can be ≧5 lbs and ≦50 lbs, such as ≧5 lbs and ≦40lbs, ≧5 lbs and ≦30 lbs, ≧5 lbs and ≦20 lbs, or ≧5 lbs and ≦15 lbs.C_(F) can also be ≧6 lbs and ≦50 lbs, such as ≧6 lbs and ≦40 lbs, ≧6 lbsand ≦30 lbs, ≧6 lbs and ≦20 lbs, or ≧6 lbs and ≦15 lbs. C_(F) can be ≧7lbs and ≦50 lbs, such as ≧7 lbs and ≦40 lbs, ≧7 lbs and ≦30 lbs, ≧7 lbsand ≦20 lbs, or ≧7 lbs and ≦15 lbs. C_(F) can be ≧8 lbs and ≦50 lbs,such as ≧8 lbs and ≦40 lbs, ≧8 lbs and ≦30 lbs, ≧8 lbs and ≦20 lbs, or≧8 lbs and ≦15 lbs. C_(F) can be ≧9 lbs and ≦50 lbs, such as ≧9 lbs and≦40 lbs, ≧9 lbs and ≦30 lbs, ≧9 lbs and ≦20 lbs, or ≧9 lbs and ≦15 lbs.C_(F) can be ≧10 lbs and ≦50 lbs, such as ≧10 lbs and ≦40 lbs, ≧10 lbsand ≦30 lbs, ≧10 lbs and ≦20 lbs, or ≧10 lbs and ≦15 lbs.

The hub 134 can have a cross-sectional shape, or an end shape,perpendicular to the central axis 128 that includes a convex polygonhaving at least three vertices. For example, the cross-sectional shapeof the hub can be selected from the group of shapes including: triangle,square, pentagon, and hexagon. In another aspect, the hub 134 can have across-sectional shape, or end shape, perpendicular to the central axis128 that includes a concave polygon having at least six vertices. Inthis aspect, the cross-sectional shape of the hub 134 can be selectedfrom the group of shapes including: concave hexagon, concave octagon,concave decagon, and concave dodecagon. In still another aspect, the hub134 can have a cross-sectional shape, or end shaped, perpendicular tothe central axis 128 that includes a regular star polygon having atleast ten vertices. The at least ten vertices can be selected from thegroup that includes: 10, 14, 18, 22, and 26 vertices.

In another aspect, the distal end 138 of the hub 134 includes a surfacearea, A_(HDE), and the upper surface 120 of the abrasive article 104 canalso include a surface area A_(USA). In this aspect, A_(HDE) can be≦10.0% A_(USA), such as ≦7.5% A_(USA), ≦5.0% A_(USA), ≦4.0% A_(USA), or≦3.0% A_(USA). Further, A_(HDE) can be ≧0.5% A_(USA), such as ≧0.75%A_(USA), ≧1.0% A_(USA), ≧1.25% A_(USA), ≧1.5% A_(USA), ≧1.75% A_(USA),≧2.0% A_(USA), or ≧2.5% A_(USA). A_(HDE) can be within a range betweenand including any of the values of A_(HDE) described herein.

For example, A_(HDE) can be ≦10.0% A_(USA) and ≧0.5% A_(USA), such as≦10.0% A_(USA) and ≧0.75% A_(USA), ≦10.0% A_(USA) and ≧1.0% A_(USA),≦10.0% A_(USA) and ≧1.5% A_(USA), ≦10.0% A_(USA) and ≧2.0% A_(USA), or≦10.0% A_(USA) and ≧2.5% A_(USA). A_(HDE) can be ≦7.5% A_(USA) and ≧0.5%A_(USA), such as ≦7.5% A_(USA) and ≧0.75% A_(USA), ≦7.5% A_(USA) and≧1.0% A_(USA), ≦7.5% A_(USA) and ≧1.5% A_(USA), ≦7.5% A_(USA) and ≧2.0%A_(USA), or ≦7.5% A_(USA) and ≧2.5% A_(USA). A_(HDE) can be ≦5.0%A_(USA) and ≧0.5% A_(USA), such as ≦5.0% A_(USA) and ≧0.75% A_(USA),≦5.0% A_(USA) and ≧1.0% A_(USA), ≦5.0% A_(USA) and ≧1.5% A_(USA), ≦5.0%A_(USA) and ≧2.0% A_(USA), or ≦5.0% A_(USA) and ≧2.5% A_(USA). A_(HDE)can be ≦4.0% A_(USA) and ≧0.5% A_(USA), such as ≦4.0% A_(USA) and ≧0.75%A_(USA), ≦4.0% A_(USA) and ≧1.0% A_(USA), ≦4.0% A_(USA) and ≧1.5%A_(USA), ≦4.0% A_(USA) and ≧2.0% A_(USA), or ≦4.0% A_(USA) and ≧2.5%A_(USA). Moreover, A_(HDE) can be ≦3.0% A_(USA) and ≧0.5% A_(USA), suchas ≦3.0% A_(USA) and ≧0.75% A_(USA), ≦3.0% A_(USA) and ≧1.0% A_(USA),≦3.0% A_(USA) and ≧1.5% A_(USA), ≦3.0% A_(USA) and ≧2.0% A_(USA), or≦3.0% A_(USA) and ≧2.5% A_(USA).

As further depicted in FIG. 4, the button 130 can also include a back-uppad engagement post 150 that can extend from the hub 134 longitudinallyalong the central axis 128. The engagement post 150 can include aheight, H_(P). Further, the engagement post 150 can include a proximalend 152 and a distal end 154 and at least one helical thread 156 canextend outwardly along H_(P) from the proximal end 152 of the engagementpost 150 to the distal end 154 of the engagement post 150. The helicalthread 156 can include a thread lead, L. In a particular aspect, L canbe ≧0.50 H_(P). L can also be ≧0.57 H_(P), such as ≧0.66 H_(P), ≧or≧0.80 H_(P). In another aspect, L can be ≦4.00 H_(P), such as ≦2.00H_(P), ≦1.33 H_(P), or ≦1.00 H_(P). It can be appreciated that thethread lead, L, defines the linear distance along a longitudinal axis ofthe engagement post 150 that is covered by one complete rotation of thepost 150.

As such, if L=0.50 H_(P), then it takes 2 rotations of the engagementpost 150 to fully engage the post 150 with the back-up pad 102. L=0.57H_(P) corresponds to 1.75 rotations. L=0.66 H_(P) corresponds to 1.5rotations. L=0.80 H_(P) corresponds to 1.25 rotations. L=4.00 H_(P)corresponds to 0.25 rotations. L=2.00 H_(P) corresponds to 0.50rotations. L=1.33 H_(P) corresponds to 0.75 rotations. L=1.00 H_(P)corresponds to 1.00 rotations.

L can also be within a range between and including any of the values ofL described above. For example, L can be ≧0.50 H_(P) and ≦4.00 H_(P),such as ≧0.50 H_(P) and ≦2.00 H_(P), ≧0.50 H_(P) and ≦1.33 H_(P), or≧0.50 H_(P) and ≦1.00 H_(P). L can be ≧0.57 H_(P) and ≦4.00 H_(P), suchas ≧0.57 H_(P) and ≦2.00 H_(P), ≧0.57 H_(P) and ≦1.33 H_(P), or ≧0.57H_(P) and ≦1.00 H_(P). L can be ≧0.66 H_(P) and ≦4.00 H_(P), such as≧0.66 H_(P) and ≦2.00 H_(P), ≧0.66 H_(P) and ≦1.33 H_(P), or ≧0.66 H_(P)and ≦1.00 H_(P). L can also be ≧0.80 H_(P) and ≦4.00 H_(P), such as≧0.80 H_(P) and ≦2.00 H_(P), ≧0.80 H_(P) and ≦1.33 H_(P), or ≧0.80 H_(P)and ≦1.00 H_(P).

In another aspect, L can be ≧0.50 H_(P) and ≦0.80 H_(P), such as ≧0.50H_(P) and ≦0.66 H_(P), or ≧0.5 H_(P) and ≦0.57 H_(P). In yet anotheraspect, L can be ≦4.00 H_(P) and ≧1.00 H_(P), such as ≦4.00 H_(P)and≧1.33 H_(P), or ≦4.00 H_(P) and ≧2.00 H_(P).

FIG. 4 also shows that the button 130 can include a guide post 160extending from the distal end 154 of the engagement post 150. The guidepost 160 can facilitate insertion of the button 130 into the back-up pad102 during assembly.

FIG. 5 illustrates another aspect of a button 500 that can be used toengage an abrasive article to a back-up pad. In this aspect, the button500 can include a body that has a generally disc-shaped lower plate 502.A twisted hub 504 can extend from the disc-shaped lower plate 502. Thetwisted hub 504 can include a proximal end 506 and a distal end 508. Athreaded engagement post 510 can extend from the distal end of the hub504. Moreover, a guide post 512 can extend from the engagement post 510.

In this aspect, the twisted hub 504 is twisted along a height of the hub504 so that the distal end 506 of the hub 504 is rotated with respect toa proximal end 506 of the hub by an angle, α. In a particular aspect, αcan be ≧5.0°, such as ≧6.0°, ≧7.0°, ≧8.0°, ≧9.0°, or ≧10.0°. Further, αcan be ≦30°, such as ≦25°, ≦20°, ≦15°, or ≦12.5°. In another aspect, αcan be within a range between and including and of the values of αdescribed herein.

For example, α can be ≧5.0°and ≦30°, such as ≧5.0°and ≦25°, ≧5.0°and≦20°, ≧5.0°and ≦15°, or ≧5.0°and ≦12.5°. α can be ≧6.0°and ≦30°, such as≧6.0°and ≦25°, ≧6.0°and ≦20°, ≧6.0°and ≦15°, or ≧6.0°and ≦12.5°. α canbe ≧7.0°and ≦30°, such as ≧7.0°and ≦25°, ≧7.0°and ≦20°, ≧7.0°and ≦15°,or ≧7.0°and ≦12.5°. α can be ≧8.0°and ≦30°, such as ≧8.0°and ≦25°,≧8.0°and ≦20°, ≧8.0°and ≦15°, or ≧8.0°and ≦12.5°. α can be ≧9.0°and≦30°, such as ≧9.0°and ≦25°, ≧9.0°and ≦20°, ≧9.0°and ≦15°, or ≧9.0°and≦12.5°. Moreover, α can be ≧10.0°and ≦30°, such as ≧10.0°and ≦25°,≧10.0°and ≦20°, ≧10.0°and ≦15°, or ≧10.0°and ≦12.5°.

Accordingly, the hub 504 is configured to impart a force, e.g., atwisting or rotational force, on an abrasive article installed on thehub 504 during use in order to cause the abrasive article to rotate overan angle, A, with respect to the hub 504 and to move linearly toward thelower plate 502. It can be appreciated that multiple abrasive articlescan be installed over the hub 504 to create a stack of like, ordifferent, abrasive articles. The twisting of the abrasive articles, andliner motion associated therewith, can cause the abrasive articles totighten against the lower plate.

In a particular aspect, the angle of rotation, A, can be ≦5°, such as≦4°, ≦3°, ≦2°, or ≦1°. Further, A can be ≧0.1°, such as ≧0.25°, ≧0.5°,or ≧0.75°. A can also be within a range between and including any of thevalues of A described herein.

For example, A can be ≦5°and ≧0.1°, such as ≦5°and ≧0.25°, ≦5°and ≧0.5°,or ≦5°and ≧0.75°. A can be ≦4°and ≧0.1°, such as ≦4°and ≧0.25°, ≦4°and≧0.5°, or ≦4°and ≧0.75°. A can be ≦3°and ≧0.1°, such as ≦3°and ≧0.25°,≦3°and ≧0.5°, or ≦3°and ≧0.75°. A can be ≦2°and ≧0.1°, such as ≦2°and≧0.25°, ≦2°and ≧0.5°, or ≦2°and ≧0.75°. A can be ≦1°and ≧0.1°, such as≦1°and ≧0.25°, ≦1°and ≧0.5°, or ≦1°and ≧0.75°.

In a particular aspect, the button 504 can include an overall height,H_(BA), and D can be ≧0.25% H_(BA), such as ≧0.5% H_(BA), 0.75% H_(BA),or 1.0% H_(BA). Further, D can be ≦5.0% H_(BA), such as ≦4.5% H_(BA),≦4.0% H_(BA), ≦3.5% H_(BA), ≦3.0% H_(BA), ≦2.5% H_(BA), or ≦2.0% H_(BA).D can also be within a range between and including any of the values ofD described herein.

For example, D can be ≧0.25% H_(BA) and ≦5.0% H_(BA), such as ≧0.25%H_(BA) and ≦4.5% H_(BA), ≧0.25% H_(BA) and ≦4.0% H_(BA), ≧0.25% H_(BA)and ≦3.5% H_(BA), ≧0.25% H_(BA) and ≦3.0% H_(BA), ≧0.25% H_(BA) and≦2.5% H_(BA), or ≧0.25% H_(BA) and ≦2.0% H_(BA). D can be ≧0.5% H_(BA)and ≦5.0% H_(BA), such as ≧0.5% H_(BA) and ≦4.5% H_(BA), ≧0.5% H_(BA)and ≦4.0% H_(BA), ≧0.5% H_(BA) and ≦3.5% H_(BA), ≧0.5% H_(BA) and ≦3.0%H_(BA), ≧0.5% H_(BA) and ≦2.5% H_(BA), or ≧0.5% H_(BA) and ≦2.0% H_(BA).D can be ≧0.75% H_(BA) and ≦5.0% H_(BA), such as ≧0.75% H_(BA) and ≦4.5%H_(BA), ≧0.75% H_(BA) and ≦4.0% H_(BA), ≧0.75% H_(BA) and ≦3.5% H_(BA),≧0.75% H_(BA) and ≦3.0% H_(BA), ≧0.75% H_(BA) and ≦2.5% H_(BA), or≧0.75% H_(BA) and ≦2.0% H_(BA). D can be ≧1.0% H_(BA) and ≦5.0% H_(BA),such as ≧1.0% H_(BA) and ≦4.5% H_(BA), ≧1.0% H_(BA) and ≦4.0% H_(BA),≧1.0% H_(BA) and ≦3.5% H_(BA), ≧1.0% H_(BA) and ≦3.0% H_(BA), ≧1.0%H_(BA) and ≦2.5% H_(BA), or ≧1.0% H_(BA) and ≦2.0% H_(BA).

Referring now to FIG. 6, another aspect of a button for attaching anabrasive article to a back-up pad is illustrated and is generallydesignated 600. As indicated in FIG. 6, the button 600 can include abody 602. The body 602 can include a lower plate 604. A hub 610 canextend from the lower plate 604. The hub 610 can include a centerportion 612 and a plurality of fins 614 can extend radially outward fromthe center portion 612 of the hub 610. Each fin 614 can include aproximal end 616 and a distal end 618. The proximal end 616 of each fin614 can extend from and be attached to (or integrally formed with) thelower plate 604. In this aspect, the fins 614 are configured to extendat least partially through an abrasive article installed on the hub 610and to prevent the abrasive article from rotating relative to the hub610. Each fin 614 is integrally formed with, or rigidly connected to,the lower plate 604 and can transmit a torque from the lower platedirectly to an abrasive article installed over the fins 614 so that asthe lower plate 604 rotates the abrasive article rotates therewith. Asdescribed below, an abrasive article can be formed with an opening at ornear a center of the abrasive article and the opening can be sized andshaped to fit over the hub 610.

FIG. 6 further illustrates that an engagement post 620 can extend fromthe hub 610, e.g., from a distal end 618 of the hub 610 and fins 614.The engagement post 620 can include a proximal end 622 and a distal end624. The engagement post 620 can also include at least one helicalthread 626 that can extend along a height of the post 620 from theproximal end 622 and the distal end 624. As illustrated, a guide post630 can extend from the distal end 624 of the engagement post 620.

FIG. 6 also indicates that each fin 614 can include at least one post632 extending from the distal end 618 of each fin 614. The button 600can also include an upper plate 640 formed with a central bore 642 thatis configured to fit over the guide post 630 and the engagement post620. The upper plate 640 can also include a plurality of lateral bores(not shown) and lateral bore can be configured to align with a respectpost 632 on each fin 614. The upper plate 640 is configured to beinstalled over the posts 632 such that each lateral bore receives andengages a respective post 632, e.g., in a snap fit. Further, the upperplate 640 is configured to be installed between an abrasive article anda back-up pad. The upper plate 640 is configured to compress theabrasive article against the lower plate 604 when the engagement post620 is threadably engaged with the back-up pad.

In a particular aspect, the hub 610 can include at least three fins, atleast four fins, at least five fins, at least six fins, at least sevenfins, or at least eight fins. Further, as best illustrated in FIG. 7,each fin 614 can be twisted along a height of the fin 614 so that thedistal end 618 of the fin is rotated with respect to the proximal end616 of the fin by an angle, β, and βcan be ≧5.0°, such as ≧6.0°, ≧7.0°,≧8.0°, ≧9.0°, or ≧10.0°. Further, βcan be ≦30°, such as ≦25°, ≦20°,≦15°, or ≦12.5°. In another aspect, βcan be within a range between andincluding and of the values of α described herein.

For example, βcan be ≧5.0°and ≦30°, such as ≧5.0°and ≦25°, ≧5.0°and≦20°, ≧5.0°and ≦15°, or ≧5.0°and ≦12.5°. βcan be ≧6.0°and ≦30°, such as≧6.0°and ≦25°, ≧6.0°and ≦20°, ≧6.0°and ≦15°, or ≧6.0°and ≦12.5°. βcan be≧7.0°and ≦30°, such as ≧7.0°and ≦25°, ≧7.0°and ≦20°, ≧7.0°and ≦15°, or≧7.0°and ≦12.5°. βcan be ≧8.0°and ≦30°, such as ≧8.0°and ≦25°, ≧8.0°and≦20°, ≧8.0°and ≦15°, or ≧8.0°and ≦12.5°. βcan be ≧9.0°and ≦30°, such as≧9.0°and ≦25°, ≧9.0°and ≦20°, ≧9.0°and ≦15°, or ≧9.0°and ≦12.5°.Moreover, βcan be ≧10.0°and ≦30°, such as ≧10.0°and ≦25°, ≧10.0°and≦20°, ≧10.0°and ≦15°, or ≧10.0°and ≦12.5°.

FIG. 8 illustrates a particular aspect of a lower plate, designated 800,that can be used with any of the buttons described herein. As depictedin FIG. 8, the lower plate 800 can include a series of regularly spacedundulations 802 extending from the lower plate 800 in the same directionthat a hub (not shown) would extend from the lower plate 800 or towardthe hub (not shown). Each undulation 802 can include an arch shapehaving a peak 804 and a base 806. The peak 804 of each arch can bespaced from the base 806 of each arch at a distance, DP.

When used as part of a button that includes an overall height, H_(BA),D_(P), and wherein D_(P) can be ≧0.25% H_(BA), such as ≧0.5% H_(BA),0.75% H_(BA), or 1.0% H_(BA). Further, D_(P) can be ≦5.0% H_(BA), suchas ≦4.5% H_(BA), ≦4.0% H_(BA), ≦3.5% H_(BA), ≦3.0% H_(BA), ≦2.5% H_(BA),or ≦2.0% H_(BA). In another aspect, D_(P) can be within a range betweenand including any of the values associated with D_(P) herein.

For example, DP can be ≧0.25% H_(BA)and ≦5.0% H_(BA), such as ≧0.25%H_(BA) and ≦4.5% H_(BA), ≧0.25% H_(BA) and ≦4.0% H_(BA), ≧0.25% H_(BA)and ≦3.5% H_(BA), ≧0.25% H_(BA) and ≦3.0% H_(BA), ≧0.25% H_(BA) and≦2.5% H_(BA), or ≧0.25% H_(BA) and ≦2.0% H_(BA). D_(P) can be ≧0.5%H_(BA) and ≦5.0% H_(BA), such as ≧0.5% H_(BA) and ≦4.5% H_(BA), ≧0.5%H_(BA) and ≦4.0% H_(BA), ≧0.5% H_(BA) and ≦3.5% H_(BA), ≧0.5% H_(BA) and≦3.0% H_(BA), ≧0.5% H_(BA) and ≦2.5% H_(BA), or ≧0.5% H_(BA) and ≦2.0%H_(BA). D_(P) can be ≧0.75% H_(BA) and ≦5.0% H_(BA), such as ≧0.75%H_(BA) and ≦4.5% H_(BA), ≧0.75% H_(BA) and ≦4.0% H_(BA), ≧0.75% H_(BA)and ≦3.5% H_(BA), ≧0.75% H_(BA) and ≦3.0% H_(BA), ≧0.75% H_(BA) and≦2.5% H_(BA), or ≧0.75% H_(BA) and ≦2.0% H_(BA). D_(P) can be ≧1.0%H_(BA) and ≦5.0% H_(BA), such as ≧1.0% H_(BA) and ≦4.5% H_(BA), ≧1.0%H_(BA) and ≦4.0% H_(BA), ≧1.0% H_(BA) and ≦3.5% H_(BA), ≧1.0% H_(BA) and≦3.0% H_(BA), ≧1.0% H_(BA) and ≦2.5% H_(BA), or ≧0.25% H_(BA) and ≦2.0%H_(BA).

In a particular aspect, the undulations 802 are configured to impartpleats in at least one abrasive article installed on a hub extendingfrom the lower plate 800 on a button when the button is engaged with aback-up pad.

FIG. 9 illustrates another exemplary abrasive article 900. Asillustrated, the abrasive article 900 includes a body 902 formed with abore 904 at or near a center of the abrasive article 900. The bore 904can be sized and shaped to fit over a hub that is formed with multiplefins, e.g., the hub shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. As such, the bore 904can include a central opening 906 with multiple branches 908 extendingradially outward therefrom. Depending on the number of fins, the bore904 can include three branches, four branches, five branches, sixbranches, seven branches, eight branches, etc.

FIG. 10 depicts yet another exemplary abrasive article 1000. In lieu ofremoving material from the body 1002 of the abrasive article 1000 toform a passageway for the fins to fit through, as illustrated in FIG. 9,the body 1002 of the abrasive article 1000 may be cut with multipleslits 1004 that correspond to the number of fins. Accordingly, when thefins are fitted through the slits, the material of the abrasive article1000 can expand around the fins to accommodate the fins. Alternatively,the flaps 1006 created between adjacent slits 1004 can bend along acentral axis in the same direction that a button having fins is insertedthrough the abrasive article 1000 (e.g., into the page on which FIG. 10is illustrated).

With the configuration described herein, the button for attaching anabrasive article to a back-up pad provides a relatively user friendlyway to quickly attach an abrasive article to a back-up pad. Further, aseasily as the abrasive article is attached, it can be just as easilydetached. The button includes an engagement post having a thread leadthat allows the engagement post to be engaged with a back-up pad withfewer than 2 revolutions of the button and abrasive tool. An abrasivearticle (e.g., a non-woven abrasive article) may be compressed betweenthe button and the back-up pad, in order to provide substantial grippingforce on the abrasive article during use. The back-up pad can be engagedwith a rotating tool holder, such as a drill chuck.

The button may be disengaged from the back-up pad, removed from theabrasive article, installed in a new abrasive article, and re-engagedwith the back-up pad for further use. Alternatively, the button can beremoved from the abrasive article, the abrasive article can be flippedover, the button can be re-installed in the abrasive article, and thebutton can be re-engaged with the back-up pad for further use of theabrasive article. As such, a previously un-used side of an abrasivearticle can be used and full use may be made of the abrasivearticle—unlike abrasive articles having buttons that are glued orotherwise fixed thereto.

The hub of a button may be formed with a twist and during use the twistmay cause the abrasive article installed thereon to move to a lowerplate and further increase the gripping force on the abrasive article.Multiple abrasive articles having the same or different abrasivecharacteristics can be installed on a single hub in any stack orderdesired by a user. After use, the abrasive articles can be re-stacked inany other order for further use. A lower plate of a button can be formedwith undulations and these undulations can impart pleats on the workingsurface of the abrasive article place on the button.

The button may be formed with fins and the abrasive article may beformed with slits corresponding to the number of fins in a relativelysimple and efficient cutting operating that only cuts the abrasivearticle without removing any of the abrasive article.

Note that not all of the activities described above in the generaldescription or the examples, if provided, are required, that a portionof a specific activity may not be required, and that one or more furtheractivities can be performed in addition to those described. Stillfurther, the order in which activities are listed is not necessarily theorder in which they are performed. Certain features that are, forclarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, canalso be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely,various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of asingle embodiment, can also be provided separately or in anysubcombination. Further, reference to values stated in ranges includeseach and every value within that range.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed above with regard to specific embodiments. However, thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that cancause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeature of any or all the claims. The specification and illustrations ofthe embodiments described herein are intended to provide a generalunderstanding of the structure of the various embodiments. Thespecification and illustrations are not intended to serve as anexhaustive and comprehensive description of all of the elements andfeatures of apparatus and systems that use the structures or methodsdescribed herein. Separate embodiments can also be provided incombination in a single embodiment, and conversely, various featuresthat are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment,can also be provided separately or in any subcombination. Further,reference to values stated in ranges includes each and every valuewithin that range. Many other embodiments can be apparent to skilledartisans only after reading this specification. Other embodiments can beused and derived from the disclosure, such that a structuralsubstitution, logical substitution, or another change can be madewithout departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Accordingly, the disclosure is to be regarded as illustrative ratherthan restrictive.

1.-3. (canceled)
 4. An abrasive tool comprising: a back-up padcomprising a central bore having at least one internal thread extendinginwardly from an inner wall of the central bore; at least one abrasivearticle formed with a central bore; and a button for removably attachingthe abrasive article to the back-up pad, wherein the button comprises: abody, comprising: a lower plate; a hub extending from the lower plate,wherein the hub includes a center portion and a plurality of finsextending radially outward from the center portion, wherein the fins areconfigured to extend at least partially through the at least oneabrasive article installed on the hub and to prevent the at least oneabrasive article from rotating relative to the hub; and a post extendingfrom the hub, wherein the post includes at least one helical threadextending outwardly along the post, wherein the post is configured tothreadably engage the back-up pad and wherein the button is configuredto compress the abrasive article between the lower plate and the buttonwhen the post is engaged with the back-up pad. 5.-7. (canceled)
 8. Theabrasive tool of claim wherein the hub comprises at least three fins. 9.The abrasive tool of claim 8, wherein each fin is twisted along theheight of the fin so that a distal end of the fin is rotated withrespect to a proximal end of the fin by an angle, B, that is ≧5.0°. 10.The abrasive tool of claim 9, wherein B≦30°.
 11. The abrasive tool ofclaim 4, further comprising at least one post extending from each finand an upper plate, wherein the upper plate includes a central bore anda plurality of lateral bores, wherein the upper plate is configured tobe installed over the post and each the lateral bores is configured toreceive and engage a respective post.
 12. The abrasive tool of claim 11,wherein each lateral bore engages a respective post in a snap fit. 13.The abrasive tool of claim 11, wherein the upper plate is configured tobe installed between the at least one abrasive article and the backupplate, wherein the upper plate is configured to compress the at leastone abrasive article when the post is engaged with the backup plate.14.-21. (canceled)
 22. The abrasive tool of claim 4, wherein the lowerplate is disc shaped and comprises an outer diameter, O_(LP), and theabrasive article comprises an outer diameter O_(AA), and O_(LP) is ≦50%O_(AA).
 23. The tool of claim 22, wherein O_(LP) is ≧10% O_(AA).
 24. Theabrasive tool of claim 4, wherein a distal end of the hub includes asurface area, A_(HDE), and an upper surface of the abrasive articlecomprises a surface area A_(USA), and A_(HDE) is ≦10% A_(USA).
 25. Theabrasive tool of claim 24, wherein A_(HDE) is ≧0.5% A_(USA). 26.-27.(canceled)
 28. The abrasive tool of claim 4, wherein the hub isconfigured to impart a force on the at least one abrasive article duringuse in order to cause the at least one abrasive article to rotate overan angle, A, and move linearly toward the lower plate over a distance,D.
 29. The abrasive tool of claim 28, wherein A is ≦5°. 30.-32.(canceled)
 33. The abrasive tool of claim 4, wherein the hub is twistedalong the height of the hub so that a distal end of the hub is rotatedwith respect to a proximal end of the hub by an angle, α, that is ≧5.0°.34.-35. (canceled)
 36. The abrasive tool of claim 4, wherein the lowerplate comprises a series of regularly spaced undulations extending fromthe lower plate toward the hub.
 37. The abrasive tool of claim 36,wherein the undulations are configured to impart pleats in the at leastone abrasive article installed on the hub of the button when the buttonis engaged with a back-up pad. 38.-39. (canceled)
 40. A button forattaching an abrasive article to a backup pad, the button comprising: abody, comprising: a lower plate; a hub extending from the lower plate,wherein the hub includes a center portion and a plurality of finsextending radially outward from the center portion, wherein the fins areconfigured to extend at least partially through the at least oneabrasive article installed on the hub and to prevent the at least oneabrasive article from rotating relative to the hub; and a post extendingfrom the hub, wherein the post includes at least one helical threadextending along the post.
 41. The button of claim 40, wherein the hubcomprises at least three fins.
 42. The button of claim 41, wherein eachfin is twisted along the height of the fin so that a distal end of thefin is rotated with respect to a proximal end of the fin by an angle, B,that is ≧5.0°.
 43. The button of claim 40, wherein the lower platecomprises a series of regularly spaced undulations extending from thelower plate toward the hub.